Pastor ‘Lolu Akinwunmi is aptly an apostle in the market place as a chief executive of a frontline advertising agency; a writer, lecturer, and communication practitioner generally. He published in 2018 his memoir; SKIN FOR SKIN: THE PRIMA GARNET STORY in which he highlights some booby traps of compromise that confront lots of Christians in business and how he maneuvered his ways round those traps to sustain his Christian faith in the murky market place. Having given his life to Christ since 1987 and ordained a pastor in 1990, Akinwunmi shares with Christian Benefits his about 38 years of walk with the Lord and his experiences as an apostle in the market place in our page on MY REBIRTH ENCOUNTER. Below are the details.
Please, can we have you introduce yourself?
I am ‘Lolu Akinwunmi; a communication practitioner. I was ordained a pastor in Bethel Ministries in 1990. I am married with children. I do few things by way of vocation; advertising, writing, lecturing etc. I am a published author; published my memoir; SKIN FOR SKIN: THE PRIMA GARNET STORY in 2018, and working on a new book now.
Briefly, share with us about your upbringing and background.
I grew up largely in Ibadan where I had my primary education. We lived in Ibadan when I had my secondary education at Comprehensive High School Ayetoro. I had my a Levels at the Ibadan Polytechnic and my university education at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) where I studied English and Philosophy. An only child of my parents, I was brought up under strict Anglican Church system. I had my NYSC in the old Anambra state. Growing up in Ibadan was exciting and simple. We moved to Lagos around 1974 and have lived in Lagos since then. I always loved to read and had over 100 novels and other books in English and Yoruba which I write and speak fluently. Growing up alone meant I was often alone with my parents and house helps etc. My father was in broadcasting and my mum in the military as a nurse.
How long have you been born again, and what informed your decision to accept Jesus Christ in your life?
I gave my life (again) on the 14th of July 1987. I was invited to a church service by my friends and I responded to the altar call. In 1977in UNILAG, I had first responded but did not seriously follow through. I had a strong conviction on the need to review my life and follow Christ.
How will you describe your lifestyle before you accepted the Lord?
It was the usual lifestyle of a young urban male; very hardworking and very fun-loving too. I worked in LINTAS and had active friends. From school in UNILAG we were involved in the usual juvenile activities: smoking, drinking, gambling, partying etc. Going to church was not part of it even when my late father had become an Anglican Revd. But I was not deviant. I was focused and responsible.
Share with us the joy of salvation you experienced on the day you accepted Christ
I always knew something was missing in my life in spite of having a very good job and a fairly easy life, and because in 1977 I had taken the decision for a brief moment, it was always in my mind that I needed to go back to God. I was restless in my spirit. I got a release and relief when I did in 1987.
Also, share with us your baptism in the Holy Ghost after you got born again
I told my pastor a few weeks after my conversion that I wanted the baptism and be able to speak in tongues. He invited me to their home and took me through the scriptures what this was about. When he saw I fully understood, he asked to pray for me. But just as he started praying I started speaking in tongues and he was amazed. I remember he shouted and ran to tell the members of his household.
Were there some old sinful habits that you struggled to part with; even after you have accepted Christ, and how did you eventually overcome them?
I’m not sure the right word is “struggle”. I immediately stopped drinking and smoking, going to the shrine etc. I had a few girl friends before then and I simply stopped seeing them and remained just with the one who today is my wife. I stopped certain sharp business practices and gambling too. I also stopped keeping the company of certain people.
As a young believer, what were those church activities you engaged in, and the books you read, that boosted your growth in the Christian faith?
My church was not very big. Then it was called “World Missions Outreach” and we were mainly young professionals. I attended fellowships very regularly and was an active church worker. We did a lot of street evangelism too. I did a lot of Bible studying and I recall I read all of the New Testament within two weeks. I also partnered a friend, Pastor Omawumi Efueye in committing certain Bible passages to memory. We also met in smaller groups to pray and fellowship some weekends. I also read faith books by people like Hagins, Copeland, Oyedepo, etc.
What were your favourite Bible verses or passages back then as a new or young convert?
Hmmm; quite a few. I liked 1Cor 10.13 especially and many others
As a young believer, who were those you looked up to as your mentors or role models in the Christian faith?
My church pastors and especially pastor Gbolahan Faluade. I also loved listening to people like Bro Emeka Nwakpa and a few others. I loved listening to and watching Benny Hinn and Benson idahosa.
In the course of your walk with Christ, have you at any point, backslidden; if yes, how did you retrace your steps to the faith?
Whenever I did and do and was/am convicted by the Holy Spirit I simply went/go back to God in prayers and repentance and a commitment not to do such things again. It’s still my practice till today. Inevitably we will not do some things right. It’s why the grace of God helps to correct and restore us.
Share with us how you sustain your Christian faith as a chief executive in the market place without compromising? (I recall you recently shared a series on this in your page on the social media).
This has been tough. Business is so demanding and competitive and there are many areas where a Christian can easily be compromised; lying, cheating, bribery etc. For me it starts with a commitment to doing what’s right. I also know that sometimes there is a price to pay. I pray a lot and ask God for wisdom and favour and a strengthened will. I wrote extensively on this in my book, SKIN FOR SKIN: THE PRIMA GARNET STORY. Many Christians do what they don’t want to especially in business and when they are financially desperate. I always ask for grace not to be in such situations. Many times God helps. Other times he permits us to lose such businesses so that we can also comfort and minister to others. It’s a daily battle and victory.
What’s your concept of “Born Again”, and how do you compare been born again today to what obtained back then when you got born again?
To be born again is a spiritual transformation in Christianity, particularly in the teachings of Jesus. It refers to a profound inner renewal that occurs when a person surrenders their life to God, accepts Jesus Christ as their lord and saviour, and receives the Holy Spirit. I will not like to make a comparison of then and now. Being born again signifies a shift from a life of sin and self-dependence to one of faith, grace, and relationship with God. It is a spiritual awakening—where one’s heart, mind, and purpose are renewed by God’s power and one makes a strong commitment to follow Christ as a disciple and do his words and will in righteousness and follow his instructions by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Finally, how will you describe your walk with the Lord over the years, and where (church) do you presently worship, and your status in the church?
My walk with Christ has been fruitful but sometimes also challenging. But God has been true to his words and promises. I have worshipped at the Throne of Grace parish of the RCCG in Lagos for over 20 years. Sometimes I am invited to minister there and in many churches and I have done this in Nigeria and outside Nigeria. I enjoy the church and love the members.
Thank you for your audience sir.
You are welcome